Balance Training System

ABSTRACT

A balance training system aids people with walking disabilities or balancing problems to perform various balance exercises on different types of terrains. The balance training system includes a mounting plate and a pad. The pad is inserted to the mounting plate and configured to provide an artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/779,965 filed on Mar. 13, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Several diseases or physical injuries cause movement disabilities, such as disability of walking or a deficit in balance. Such diseases or injuries include cerebrovascular accident, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, musculoskeletal pain, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson's disease. When combined with these diseases or injuries, the aging process can also contribute to movement disabilities.

The movement disabilities are typically treated by various rehabilitation programs including muscle reeducation. Muscle reeducation is a physical therapeutic exercise to restore muscle tone and strength after an injury or disease, and includes rehabilitation walking exercises. People having movement disabilities can have difficulty in traversing the ground when they encounter different types of terrains, such as a grassy field or a sandy beach. It can be also difficult for them to transition from a usual walk way, such as a paved sidewalk, to the ground with a different terrain.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a balance training system. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the balance training system includes various artificial terrains. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.

One aspect is a balance training system comprising: a mounting plate; and a pad inserted to the mounting plate and configured to provide an artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking.

Another aspect is a balance training system comprising a first subsystem and a second subsystem. The first subsystem comprises a first mounting plate; and a first pad inserted to the first mounting plate and configured to provide a first artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking. The second subsystem comprises a second mounting plate; and a second pad inserted to the second mounting plate and configured to provide a second artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking. In some embodiments, the first mounting plate is arranged to be abutted to the second mounting plate. In other embodiments, the first mounting plate is detachably coupled to the second mounting plate.

Still another aspect is a method of providing a balance training apparatus comprising: mounting a first pad onto a first mounting plate, wherein the first pad is configured to provide a first artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking; mounting a second pad onto a second mounting plate, wherein the second pad is configured to provide a second artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking; and connecting the first mounting plate to the second mounting plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary balance training system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of a mounting plate of the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top schematic view of the mounting plate of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of the mounting plate of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of another example of a mounting plate for the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a top view of a first example pad for the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is a top view of a second example pad for the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7C is a top view of a third example pad for the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7D is a top view of a fourth example pad for the balance training system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of different examples of the pad of FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second example pad of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary balance training system with a parallel bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exemplary balance training system 100. The balance training system 100 operates to aid people with walking disabilities or balancing problems to perform various balance exercises on different types of terrains. The system 100 is placed on a floor or any stable and safe surface where patients can perform walking exercises. For example, the system 100 is used at the hospital or rehabilitation centers, or at home. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 is placed adjacent the wall or other supporting objects, against which patents can lean when they lose balance during the exercise (FIG. 2). In other embodiments, a parallel bar 160 is employed to the system 100 for further assisting the balance training. The parallel bar 160 is described in further detail with reference to FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a plurality of subsystems 102A, 102B and 102C, which are collectively designated herein as 102. Each subsystem 102 is configured to provide a different type of terrain on which a patient performs balance training. In this example, the system 100 is illustrated to have three subsystems 102A, 102B and 102C. However, the system 100 can include any number of subsystems 102 so long as a space is allowed to which the system 100 is placed. Each subsystem 102 includes a mounting plate 104 and a pad 106 (FIG. 6). The mounting plate 104 is described with reference to FIGS. 3-6, and the pad is described with reference to FIGS. 7-9.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate an exemplary mounting plate 104 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the mounting plate 104 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a top schematic view of the mounting plate 104 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of the mounting plate 104 of FIG. 3. The mounting plate 104 operates to support the pad 106 and form a walking track of any shape. The mounting plates 104 also allow a user to conveniently arrange or relocate the pads 106 as necessary to form a walking track on a floor or installation surface. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 (104A, 104B and 104C) includes a supporting panel 108 (108A, 108B and 108C) and a side frame 110 (110A, 110B and 110C). The mounting plate 104 further includes an enclosure 112 (112A, 112B and 112C) defined by the supporting panel 108 and the side frame 110.

In this example, the mounting plate 104 is generally rectangular or square in shape. In other embodiments, however, the mounting plate 104 can have any shapes as necessary. The mounting plate 104 can have different shapes depending on a place on which the system 100 is installed.

The supporting panel 108 has a top side 114 and a bottom side 116 (FIG. 5) that is opposite to the top side 114. The top side 114 is configured to provide a surface for supporting the pad 106 that is inserted onto the supporting panel 108. The bottom side 116 is configured to be placed against a floor or a surface on which the subsystem 102 is installed.

The side frame 110 is generally arranged at a circumference of the supporting panel 108 and configured to extend upwardly with respect to the supporting panel 108. The side frame 110 is attached to the supporting panel 108 by using any type of coupling mechanism, such as adhesives, fasteners, or nails.

The enclosure 112 provides a space to which the pad 106 is inserted. In some embodiments, the enclosure 112 is defined by the side frame 110 and the top side 114 of the supporting panel 108. The enclosure 112 is dimensioned in a manner that the pad 106 is inserted therein. The pad 106 can be flush with the top surface of the side frame 110. In some embodiments, the enclosure 112 has a depth (D) of about 2 inches.

In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is made from wooden materials of any type. The supporting panel 108 and the side frame 110 can be made from the same material. In other embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is be made from any material suitable for providing a support for the pad 106.

By way of example, the side frame 110 is made with four wooden bars 118, each of which has a length (L_(F)) of about five feet, a width (W_(F)) of about four inches, and a height (H_(F)) of about two inches. The four wooden bars 118 are coupled to create a square shape of the side frame 110. The supporting panel 108 is then attached to the side frame 110 to create the enclosure 112. As such, the mounting plate 104 has a length (L) and a width (W) of about five feet and four inches and a height (H) of greater than two inches. In other examples, the length (L_(F)) and the width (W_(F)) can be sized down as necessary for the system 100 to be installed in a smaller place. Other dimensions and configurations can be used, as described further herein.

In some embodiments, each subsystem 102A, 102B or 102C has a weight sufficient to be located in place on a floor or installation surface without fasteners or couplers. Such a weight allows each subsystem 102A, 102B or 102C not to be displaced in normal use. In other embodiments, the subsystems 102A, 102B and 102C are detachably coupled by a coupling mechanism 120, as shown in FIG. 5. In this example, the mounting plate 104 includes the coupling mechanism 120 for coupling adjoining mounting plates 104. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 120 is arranged on opposing sides of the mounting plate 104. The coupling mechanism 120 can be of any type suitable for coupling corresponding mounting plates 104. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 120 includes a male coupling device 122 (122A, 122B and 122C) and a female coupling device 124 (124A, 124B and 124C). The male coupling device 122 is arranged at a first end 126 of the subsystem 102, and the female coupling device 124 is arranged at a second end 128 of the subsystem 102. The male and female coupling devices 122 and 124 are complementary and configured to be interlocked to each other. For example, the female coupling device 124A of a first subsystem 102A is coupled to the male coupling device 122B of a second subsystem 102B, as shown in FIG. 5.

The subsystems 102A, 102B and 102C, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, are configured to be arranged so that the system 100 is formed in any shape. For example, the subsystems 102A, 102B and 102C are arranged end by end so that the first end 126 (126A, 126B and 126C) are abutted to the second end 128 (128A, 128B and 128C). The subsystems 102A, 102B and 102C can also be arranged side by side. Accordingly, the subsystems can be arranged in any manner, such as, but not limited to, a straight shape (FIGS. 3-5), an L-shape, a U-shape, a trapezoidal shape, a curved shape, a spiral shape, and a circular shape (FIG. 6).

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of another example of the mounting plate 104. In this example, each mounting plate 104 is arc-shaped so that the entire mounting plates 104 form a circular track when assembled. Such a circular track is advantageous when an installation space is not sufficient for linearly assembling the mounting plates 104. The circular track also allows a patient to continue to exercise in one direction and does not require the patient to turn around during training.

In other embodiments, the subsystems 102 are integrally connected to one another so that the system 100 is not extendable and has a fixed shape. In yet other embodiments, the subsystems 102 are integrally formed as one piece.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate example pads 106 of different types. The pad 106 is configured to resemble different types of terrains and provides artificial terrain surfaces on which patients perform balance training, such as walking exercise.

The pad 106 is configured to be positioned within the enclosure 112 of the mounting plate 104. In some embodiments, the pad 106 is inserted to the enclosure 112 in a manner that the pad 106 is flush with the top surface of the side frame 110. The pad 106 can be attached to the mounting plate 104 by using any type of coupling mechanism, such as adhesives, fasteners, or nails.

FIG. 7A is a top view of a first example pad 106A. The pad 106A is also shown in FIG. 8. In this example, the pad 106A implements an unpaved street or gravel road. The pad 106A includes a plurality of blocks 132 and a cover sheet 134.

The blocks 132 are configured to have arbitrary shapes. In some embodiments, the shapes of the blocks 132 are different from one another. The blocks 132 can have rounded edges for preventing injuries to patients when the patients step over the pad 106A. The blocks 132 with rounded edges also prevent damage to the cover sheet 134 thereabove. In some embodiments, the blocks 132 are randomly arranged on the supporting panel 108 of the mounting plate 104.

The cover sheet 134 is configured to cover the plurality of blocks 132 on the mounting plate 104. In some embodiments, the cover sheet 134 is made from artificial turf, which is a surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass.

FIG. 7B is a top view of a second example pad 106B. The pad 106B is also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In this example, the pad 106B includes a balance pad 138. In some embodiments, the balance pad 138 is made of dense, closed-cell foams and configured for providing comfort weight shift and equilibrium in biped positions.

FIG. 7C is a top view of a third example pad 106C. The pad 106C is also shown in FIG. 8. In this example, the pad 106C includes a ground-up rubber surface 142. In some embodiments, the ground-up rubber surface 142 is made from rubber mulch. Rubber mulch generally includes either waste tire buffings or nuggets of rubber from tires that are ground up whole.

FIG. 7D is a top view of a fourth example pad 106D. In this example, the pad 106D provides a structure on which a patient stands against spring support. The patient performs balance exercise by trying to stay balanced enough to keep the body straight up on the pad 106D. In some embodiments, the pad 106D includes a balance platform 144 and one or more springs 146.

The balance platform 144 provides a surface on which a patent steps during training, and is configured to cover the springs 146. In some embodiments, the balance platform 144 is configured to be flexible.

The springs 146 are engaged under the balance platform 144 against the supporting panel 108 of the mounting plate 104. In this example, a plurality of springs 146 is arranged under the balance platform 114 to generate a random wobble by a patient standing thereon. For example, when a patient steps on the balance platform 114 of the pad 106D and presses down one or more springs 146 of the pad 106D, the springs 146 resist the pressure from the patient's feet and assist the patient in keeping balanced on the pad 106D. In particular, when a patient shifts weight from a first portion of the balance platform 144 to a second portion of the balance platform 114, the first portion of the balance platform is raised up and the second portion of the balance platform is pressed down.

In other embodiments, one spring 146 is arranged under a left half of the balance platform 144, and the other spring 146 is arranged under a right half of the balance platform 144. Thus, when a patient shifts weight between the left and right halves, the balance platform 114 inclines accordingly. For example, when a patient standing on the pad 106D shifts weight from the left half to the right half, the right half of the balance platform 144 is pressed down and the left half is raised up.

Although four pads 106A, 106B, 106C and 106D are described above, the pads 106 can include a variety of other artificial terrains suitable for various dynamic or static balance activities.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary balance training system 100 with a parallel bar 160 and a surface conversion plate 170. The parallel bar 160 is installed to the system 100 to provide support for patients who need assistance during walking exercise. The surface conversion plate 170 is configured either to expose a balance training surface that includes the pads 106, or to provide a flat surface instead of the balance training surface. In the depicted example, the subsystems 102 are integrally formed as one piece in a straight shape. However, the parallel bar 160 and the surface conversion plate 170 can be applied to any configuration of the subsystems 102 in the same or similar manner as described below.

In some embodiments, the parallel bar 160 includes posts 162 and a pair of crossbars 164. As shown, the posts 162 are attached on opposing ends of a top surface of the subsystems 102. The crossbars 164 provide assistance to patients who cannot bear weight on their body so that they lean against the crossbars 164 during balance training. In some embodiments, the parallel bar 160 is configured to be adjustable in height to accommodate patients of various sizes. For example, the posts 162 include telescopic tube assemblies for height adjustment. In other embodiments, the system 100 can employ any type of mechanisms for assisting patients during walking or balance exercises on the system 100.

In some embodiments, the parallel bar 160 is detachably coupled to the subsystems 102 and used only when needed. For example, the parallel bar 160 includes mounting portions 166 arranged on the top surface of the subsystem 102. As depicted, the mounting portions 166 can be permanently fixed to opposing ends of the top surface of the subsystems 102 and is configured to support the posts 162 therein. The posts 162 are removably received into the mounting portions 166 and locked therewith so that the crossbars 162 are horizontally placed above the subsystems 120 along the longitudinal axis of the subsystems 120 when in use. When the parallel bar 160 is not needed, the posts 162 can be unlocked and removed from the mounting portions 166.

The surface conversion plate 170 (170A, 170B and 170C) has a flat surface, which is made from a solid material, such as, but not limited to, wood or plastic. In the depicted example, the surface conversion plate 170 includes three plates 170A, 170B and 170C, each complementarily configured for each subsystem 102A, 102B and 102C. Each surface conversion plate 170A, 170B and 170C is pivotally attached at one or more hinges 172 on one side of the corresponding subsystem 102A, 102B and 102C. Accordingly, the surface conversion plate 170 can be selectively flipped up or down depending on the need of the balance training surface or the flat surface. For example, when the balance training surface is needed, the surface conversion plate 170 is flipped up, as shown in FIG. 10, so that the pads 106 are exposed. On the other hand, when the patient needs a flat surface for training, the surface conversion plate 170 is flipped down in a direction R1 to cover the pads 106 with the surface conversion plate 170. The surface conversion plate 170 then provides such a flat surface on the system 100. The flat surface allows a patient to perform a walking training thereon.

Although the surface conversion plate 170 is depicted as having three separate plates 170A, 170B and 170C, the surface conversion plate 170 can be configured as one piece.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the system 100 further includes ramps 174 arranged at open ends of an array of subsystems 102 and configured to assist a patient in stepping on the system 100, and/or to assist a patient in a wheelchair in climbing up to the system 100.

An additional embodiment is directed to a method of providing a balance training apparatus or system 100. In this embodiment, the method includes mounting a first pad 106 onto a first mounting plate 104; mounting a second pad 106 onto a second mounting plate 104; and connecting the first and second mounting plates 104 to provide the balance training system 100. The first pad 106 is configured to provide a first artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking, and the second pad 106 is configured to provide a second artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking. In some embodiments, the first artificial terrain and the second artificial terrain can be different.

The balance training system 100 and the method of providing the system 100 according to the present disclosure provide better treatment for patients with balance problems. The system 100 provides a single or multiple subsystems 102 with various artificial terrains on which the patients walk or stand, and perform various balance exercises. Therapists or medical practitioners need not rely on their imagination or skill in assisting the patients with balance deficits and in reeducating their body to maintain balance.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A balance training system comprising: a mounting plate; and a pad inserted to the mounting plate and configured to provide an artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate includes a coupling mechanism configured to connect an adjoining mounting plate.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate includes an enclosure defined by a supporting panel and a side frame, and wherein the pad is inserted in the enclosure to be supported by the supporting panel and flush with the side frame.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial terrain includes a balance pad having closed-cell foams.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial terrain includes a plurality of blocks with various shapes, and an artificial turf covering the plurality of blocks.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial terrain includes a ground-up rubber surface.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the artificial terrain includes a balance platform and one or more springs, wherein the one or more springs are engaged under the balance platform against the mounting plate so that a first portion of the balance platform is raised up while a second portion of the balance platform is pressed down.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is shaped as a rectangular.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is shaped as an arc.
 10. A balance training system comprising: a first subsystem comprising: a first mounting plate; and a first pad inserted to the first mounting plate and configured to provide a first artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking, and a second subsystem comprising: a second mounting plate; and a second pad inserted to the second mounting plate and configured to provide a second artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking, wherein the first mounting plate is arranged to be abutted to the second mounting plate.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first subsystem has first and second ends and includes a first male coupling device at the first end and a first female coupling device at the second end, wherein the second subsystem has first and second ends and includes a second male coupling device at the first end and a second female coupling device at the second end, and wherein the first male coupling device is configured to be coupled to the second female coupling device, and the first female coupling device is configured to be coupled to the second male coupling device.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first mounting plate includes a first enclosure defined by a first supporting panel and a first side frame, and wherein the first pad is inserted in the first enclosure to be supported by the first supporting panel and flushed with the first side frame, and wherein the second mounting plate includes a second enclosure defined by a second supporting panel and a second side frame, and wherein the second pad is inserted in the second enclosure to be supported by the second supporting panel and flushed with the second side frame.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the first artificial terrain is different from the second artificial terrain.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the first artificial terrain includes a balance pad having closed-cell foams.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the first artificial terrain includes a plurality of blocks with various shapes, and an artificial turf covering the plurality of blocks.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the first artificial terrain includes a ground-up rubber surface.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the first artificial terrain includes a balance platform and one or more springs, wherein the one or more springs are engaged under the balance platform against the first mounting plate so that a first portion of the balance platform is raised up while a second portion of the balance platform is pressed down.
 18. The system of claim 10, further comprising parallel bars supported by the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate and configured to provide a user with walking stability.
 19. The system of claim 10, further comprising a surface conversion plate pivotally supported by the first and second mounting plates and configured to cover the first and second subsystems and provide a flat surface over the first and second subsystems.
 20. A method of providing a balance training apparatus comprising: mounting a first pad onto a first mounting plate, wherein the first pad is configured to provide a first artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking; mounting a second pad onto a second mounting plate, wherein the second pad is configured to provide a second artificial terrain adapted for rehabilitation walking; and connecting the first mounting plate to the second mounting plate. 